I'll have a think and let you know later tomorrow on my thoughts on the matter at hand. Too tired atm. Perhaps Glak can provide us with his opinion of Simmonds as well?

Initial thoughts on the matter seem to be that you may be putting too much stock on advanced stats. Simmonds seems to be a case where (usually) his advanced stats are meh, but he does well via the eye test. I will yield that previous injuries and age are catching up to him. However, I wanna look further and see some more footage of him 5-on-5 for analyzation before I make a conclusive opinion. I also want to see his GF% numbers when away from some notable teammates as well.
- EdmHockeyMan

I hope you haven’t forgotten our Simmonds bet.

I hope you haven’t forgotten our Simmonds bet.
- Wildschwein

I haven't.

My issue is that his results are consistently subpar. A cumulative team-relative GF% of -8.03 is 3rd worst over the last three seasons with only Filppula and Lehtera falling below him among players with over 500mins (41.5% GF, 41.8% GF and 44.9% GF the past three years).

Further, his teammates consistently have FAR better GFs when away from Simmonds so unless you're suggesting he's being misused as THE shutdown pillar akin to a guy like Kruger, then something's wrong. All this while not really facing particularly difficult competition and not being hung out to dry on linemates, either. Consistent time with guys like Voracek, JVR, Giroux interspersed with time with guys like Weal and Patrick.

Then you have his age and style of play.

Combine all that with unspectacular possession numbers brings me to the conclusion that something about his game at 5-on-5 is seriously and fundamentally flawed.
- MaximumBone

I love the part about teammates consistantly having better girlfriends when away from Simmonds

I haven't.
- EdmHockeyMan

Oooo... What’s the bet?!?!